First Southampton star reacts to being booted out of Championship play-off final | Football | Sport

Southampton winger Leo Scienza has discussed the turmoil behind the scenes at the club following their expulsion from the Championship play-off final for spying. Saints had challenged the EFL sanction but learned on Wednesday night that their appeal had been rejected.

It means they will begin the 2026/27 season on -4 points in the Championship, while Middlesbrough – the team they defeated 2-1 in a two-legged play-off semi-final – will head to Wembley Stadium on Saturday to meet Hull City. Saints boss Tonda Eckert is now facing the sack after it emerged that he was aware of the three spying missions the club acknowledged, to Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough. The club are braced for further consequences, with the FA likely to impose additional sanctions, including bans for those implicated.

It is understood that Southampton’s players are weighing up their legal options after being denied a chance at promotion back to the Premier League by the conduct of their own staff. And Scienza, who enjoyed a strong debut season for the Saints, has become the first player to publicly express his views on the matter.

Scienza wrote on Instagram: “Disappointment, anger, sadness It’s difficult to find the right words for what we’re all feeling right now. What has happened over the last days is heartbreaking. for the club, for every player in this dressing room, and above all for our supporters.

“A moment like this should never end the way it did. I feel sorry for every football fan, as well as the players and supporters of Hull and Boro, who were caught up in all of this chaos too.

“We gave everything for this dream. Day after day, sacrifice after sacrifice, always believing we could bring this club back to where it belongs. For me, the dream of playing in the Premier League was something I fought for with everything I had. That’s why this pain cuts so deep.

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“The hardest part is knowing how much our fans deserved this moment. You stood behind us all season with incredible passion, loyalty and belief. Even in the toughest moments, you carried us forward. Thank you for staying with us through everything, you definitely deserved better.”

Southampton’s statement on Wednesday night read: “Southampton Football Club has this evening been informed that the EFL’s League Arbitration Panel has upheld the sanctions imposed earlier this week. As a result, the club will not participate in Saturday’s Championship Play-Off Final.

“This is an extremely disappointing outcome for everybody connected with Southampton Football Club. We know how painful this moment will be for our supporters, players, staff, commercial partners and the wider community who have given so much backing to the team throughout the season and we apologise once again to everyone impacted by this.

“While we fully acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and the scrutiny that has followed, the club has consistently believed the original sporting sanction was disproportionate, a view that has been widely shared by many in the football community over the last 24 hours.

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to our supporters for the support, patience and loyalty they have shown throughout an incredibly difficult period. We will share information as soon as possible in relation to ticket refunds for those who bought tickets to Wembley.

“Southampton Football Club has a proud history and strong foundations, but it is clear that trust now needs to be rebuilt. That work begins immediately. The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly.

“While tonight is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right.”